Ok
Chapter 6: The Humming Gets Louder
I woke up before the alarm. Not because I wanted to, but because Crimson Fang was humming. Not a little hum like yesterday. A deep, low pulse that made my chest ache a little. I stared at it, glowing red in the dark, and for a moment I thought it was breathing. Or waiting. Or judging me.
Breakfast was quiet. Mom was talking about something, but I didn't hear her. My head was pounding just a little, but the sword's hum made it worse, like it was rubbing my temples from the inside. I shoved a granola bar in my mouth and left the kitchen fast.
Walking to school felt different today. The clouds were dark, like they were pressed down on the city. The wind smelled like wet asphalt. I kept thinking about Kenji. Why do I keep thinking about him so much? He's my best friend, right? But there's something off. He keeps looking at me like I'm… different. I think it started last week. Or maybe last month.
In gym, Coach made us do drills again. I didn't even care about running today. I kept my hands in my pockets when I could, feeling the sword's vibration through the strap of my backpack. It's subtle, but it's there, like it's alive. I can feel it moving closer to me, pushing me to do more, be more.
Kenji guarded me again, like always. Only this time, I swear I could see his jaw tightening. He wasn't smiling. I tried to ignore it, but it's hard when someone's eyes are like that. Cold. Sharp. Watching.
I scored. I didn't use Crimson Fang. My legs were sore, my heart was racing, but I scored anyway. Kenji didn't laugh. He just looked at me. The look didn't feel friendly. And I don't know why, but it made my chest tighten.
After practice, I was walking home slower than usual. The streets felt narrower, darker. Trash rustled in the wind. Crimson Fang hummed louder in my bag. Like it knew. Like it wanted me to notice it.
I kept thinking about Kenji. About the way he looked at me today. Not angry. Not happy. Something in between. Something dangerous.
And I realized… the sword isn't just in my backpack. It's in my life now. And maybe it's not just making me stronger. Maybe it's making everything else… worse.